We assist clients in developing and implementing the right strategy based on the framework outlined below
What is driving the need for such a program? What is the time frame to implement one?
What are the existing resources to accomplished this effect? Define how the success of the program will be measured?
Crack threat evaluation & identification
Perform susceptibility analysis & verification of threat
Identify actions that should be taken when a pipeline segment is deemed susceptible and when the pipeline is found not to be susceptible
Prioritize pipeline segments by susceptibility results
Characterize the type of defects found (cracks, seam weld anomaly or dent related) and their location, the conditions present and what contributed to their formation and growth
Environmental conditions
Pipeline attributes
Operating conditions
Since there is no standard industry practice, develop an in-ditch Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) protocol to examine and document field evaluations
Create a database with the information gathered and analyzed characterizing the threat
Identify and implement initial set of preventive measures based on analysis and findings up to this point in the program
Evaluate In-Line Inspection technologies
Evaluate a Pressure Testing program
Evaluate Direct Assessment option
Review and identify appropriate repair options for cracks and crack-like defects discovered, including establishing pressure reduction targets prior to and during the in-ditch work
Develop a buffing protocol for repairing cracks but also for verifying the defect dimensions and characteristics
Review growth mechanisms and justify a potential growth rate
Outline and perform a fatigue crack growth rate analysis
Consider interactive growth mechanisms
Identify activities to monitor between integrity assessments that could result in an increased growth rate or threat susceptibility level
Ascertain if the probability of continued growth of known or potentially existing cracks has changed between integrity assessments
Identify and implement additional activities that can be put in place to prevent the formation or growth of existing threat
Document and incorporate management program into O&M procedures
Organize data, analysis and results in a database accessible by responsible personnel
Evaluate program for its effectiveness of tasks description and completion dates, execution of responsible personnel and support by organization
Identify areas of continuous improvements with respect to stated goals
Demonstrate continuous process improvement
Cracks Commonly Found in Pipelines
Environmentally Assisted
Stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen induced cracking, sulfide stress cracking, and corrosion fatigue cracking
Manufacturing Related
Long seam weld lack of fusion, cold weld, hook crack-like, selective seam corrosion, surface breaking laminations, and girth weld cracks
Mechanically Driven
Cracks in dents and fatigue cracks